Whether you are starting up your business for the first time or are reopening after a holiday period, you are required to ensure the continued health and safety of your workplace and employees. Alongside the potential injury of yourself and staff, failing to do so can leave your business vulnerable to charges and even closure.

Here are the essential areas of health and safety that tend to cause the most cases of workplace injury and, as such, are the most important to scrutinise.

Hazards

When unexpected items are stored incorrectly, typically in communal walkways, they become trip hazards. These are, unfortunately, very common and falls continue to injure many employees each year. Additionally, hazards can block exit routes, which can lead to staff being unable to exit the building or do so safely in the event of an emergency.

Such items are not always large boxes as you might imagine and, as computers and electronic devices become more ubiquitous, wires have now become a key source of injury in the workplace. 

Fire

There are numerous elements to fire safety and each is essential. Extinguishers need to be regularly tested and kept within key areas, timber fire doors need to be compliant, and each employee should be made aware of the fire strategy plan.

While most employees will undergo fire training during their induction, it is important to regularly review emergency plans with your team. Additionally, fire escapes and their routes should be tested often, even simply by walking through them alone or with your team. This way you can assure the routes are free from hazards and that doors remain operational.

Mental Health

Each year, stress causes health issues among workers. It is a more difficult risk to assess, especially if staff feel unable to communicate their concerns. To ensure that your employees are not overwhelmed and feel comfortable within the workplace, a manager must both support staff in expressing themselves, as well as oversee that breaks are honoured.

If a staff member appears to be struggling, it might be worth relieving them of work or allowing them more time to recuperate. Should you have any further concerns, it is advised that you help them seek professional support.

Electronics

As electronic devices become more abundant in the workplace, with many staff members bringing their personal devices to work, socket management and safety should be checked. Fires are often caused by faulty electronics, typically plug sockets, and if devices fail their PAT test or are not clear for use at all, then they should be removed from the workplace altogether.

Staff Training

In most workplaces, it is essential to have a member of staff who is certified in first aid training. This is because it ensures that, should an incident occur, there is somebody who is experienced in what to do, which in turn can prevent injury and save lives.

Over time, however, and without the occurrence of such events, confidence and certainty can deteriorate, which is why it is recommended to review and recertify such staff members or welcome new employees to be trained. Many fire and medical training groups offer to teach courses for groups, allowing your entire team to be trained at once.